Most human relationships involve subtext: What you see on the surface is rarely everything that exists. But if you’ve ever worked with someone like Englebert, you know how an innocuous comment about some administrative matter... Continue reading
At some point in our careers, we’ve all crossed paths with people who create unnecessary drama as part of their daily workplace routine. “Valentina” is a pretty typical example. Valentina believes she has to get... Continue reading
How can you keep yourself from getting hooked by employee drama -- especially if you’re a hero type who naturally likes riding to the rescue? It’s particularly difficult if dealing with an urgent or incendiary... Continue reading
You know this bit of slapstick comedy: A guy carrying a long plank on his shoulder spins around and without realizing it, whacks another guy in the head. Sometimes the second guy ducks, only to... Continue reading
When texting was first adopted in the workplace, it was used primarily for emergencies, such as resolving critical customer problems, rescheduling crucial meetings, dealing with service interruptions, or issuing vital, staff-wide notifications. Now texting is... Continue reading
If you want good work, and even more good work, from employees, it helps to let them know what good work looks like, and to praise them when you see them delivering it. For most... Continue reading
Why is it that we go to so many meetings and yet so little seems to be accomplished? The answer depends on whether you’re using meetings as get-togethers and encounters or as structured forums for... Continue reading
Whether you’re hiring a warehouse worker or a C-level executive, it’s a leadership responsibility to set new employees up for success. Failed integration always points back to the leader who didn’t plan properly, create and... Continue reading
Now that you’ve selected the right people, brought them into the organization, and let them know that they and their views matter, the next step is to help them shine in the jobs you’ve hired... Continue reading
When someone you care about comes to your home for the first time, it would be very strange to open the door, say hi, point to the bathroom in case they need to use it,... Continue reading
Want help coping with conflict?
Download your free Field Guide to help you identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts. You’ll also get Liz’s monthly Workplace Wisdom emails from which you can unsubscribe at any time.